Radio Mankato has dropped its satellite fed Classic Hits format and “Oldies 100.5” moniker from KXAC St. James/Mankato MN and flipped the station to locally produced Christmas music as “100.5 The Christmas Igloo” in preparation of debuting a new format after the holidays.

The move took place on Wednesday at 10:00am. Northpine.com reports that the move comes after Alpha Media made a similar Christmas music shift in the market on their “River 105.5” KRBI. That station recently moved from AC to Classic Hits on the heels of CHR “Z99” KEEZ flipping to AC “Mix 99.1“.

Radio Mankato announces the launch of their new station, 100.5 “The Christmas Igloo.”

The festivities began on Wednesday at 10:00 AM, kicking off your Holiday activities the right way with all your favorite seasonal music as you travel over the river and through the woods this Thanksgiving and continuing throughout the Holiday Season.

The playlist has been curated by the Big Guy himself, and he says “it’s the coolest station around.” You’ll enjoy hearing the Christmas Classics such as ‘White Christmas’, ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’, and ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ being sung by crooners like Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, and Nat “King” Cole. There’s something for everyone with holiday hits from Paul McCartney, Brenda Lee, Elton John, and the Carpenters.

We’ll also be all a-flurry with fresh takes on familiar favorites from Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, Madonna, and Wham! Rudolph reports: “Yule have a Blue Christmas if You’re not Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree with 100.5, the Christmas Igloo!”